I’ve had recruiters tell me I’m “too senior” for roles I’ve applied to. Usually ones below my previous level that I went for because I need work. I understand their concern about retention, but being unemployed for months feels worse than taking a step down in pay or title. Sometimes I’d rather get back in the door, rebuild momentum, and worry about leveling up later. What's your take on it?

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I was hope you understand what is me by Too Senior”? Are they saying you are over qualified??

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I was once in your shoes and out of desperation i took a job paying more then 10 less then what i would normally get to just get my foot in the door it turned out to be a good one juat one year later i was back up to making the same pay i was used to and they wanted me certified ao they paid for all the atuff i needed to become certified. I stayed on as my role kept getting up to a lead job until i let someone talk me out of the job for what they claimed was better but turned into a nightmare so leaving it after a few years was a mistake on my part but taking the job was one of the best mives i ever made.

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That’s tough. Could you use different titles on your resume if you’re trying to fit into the role more?

I had the same problem. The only way to make this work is to land on a convincing story about your career, the role you're applying for, and/or the company you're targeting. Of course you just need work but literally no company wants to hear you say that. Because if it's just "I need a job" you will bounce the minute you get a better one and that sucks for them. They want to hear how special they are and how much you love them and only them. So, you're looking to grow your xx skills and you love what the company is doing in that area. You were in a people leadership role but realized you weren't passionate about it and want to focus on serving as a technical SME for junior devs rather than a people leader. You love the field of healthcare technology because your parents were both doctors and you're passionately looking to work in that field. Etc. I also resorted to leaving some roles off my resume and fudging titles to look a bit less 'senior'. I'm not saying you should do that. I'm not saying you shouldn't do that. A resume is a highlight reel, not a meticulous accounting of everything you've ever done.

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